A little over a year ago I was on a retreat with my Church’s university group. We were camping out on some West Texas property outside Abilene. The first morning we were there I woke up early because I wanted to spend some time with God alone and watch the sunrise. So I wake up early and it’s foggy. This is quite surprising because there tends to be very little to no moisture in west Texas. I think no worries I will go on a walk to this bluff thing and maybe I’ll be able to get above the fog and watch the sunrise. As I reach the top of this bluff (and by bluff I mean a gloried mini hill/huge pile of dirt shaped like a bluff) I realize the fog has only become thicker. Disappointed and tired I started to pray nonetheless. I just spilled stuff to God that was on my mind.
I was really looking to hear from God that weekend but couldn’t seem to hear anything or concentrate. I was cold, sinking in the wet ground , frustrated that I could not see the rising sun, and was worried that it was becoming so foggy I couldn’t even see my campsite. I started thinking this early morning trek was pointless and I started complaining to God about some things I needed guidance with in my life and how I wanted a clear answer and I needed it soon! Still feeling lost I stood in silence for a while watching the dull sky grow brighter and the chance of what I had envisioned as a Moses type meeting with God grow dimmer.
I knew then I had a choice to trust him with all my fears and uncertainties. I told Him I would trust Him in the fog. If he provided for the birds He would certainly provide for me! It was so sweet of my Savior to give me those words on that muggy morning. And while I thought that He was asking that of me for some immediate things coming up in my life at the time…He still reminds me of that lesson and I have to surrender to Him again.
And as I prepare for this World Race trip I do not know my team yet, where I will be in each country, what I will be doing, what exactly I need, or what my life will look like when I get back. There are a lot of things I could worry about but I feel like God has given me this heavenly contentment. I will trust Him in the fog.
Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.”
